From his early days in Baltimore to the pinnacle of success with the Yankees, Babe Ruth is a true sports icon whose legacy continues to resonate across generations. Our latest post reveals 30 fascinating facts about the man behind the myth. In unveiling layers behind the man whose achievements attracted the hearts of countless fans worldwide both past and present, we hope to enhance your appreciation of one of the greatest baseball personalities of all time. Let’s learn more about Babe Ruth and the remarkable things he did throughout his career, as well as uncover some little known facts about his colorful life.
Babe Ruth: The Sultan of Swat
Babe Ruth’s early life was marked by struggles, growing up in an orphanage and eventually finding solace in baseball. Ruth’s prodigious talent quickly caught the attention of scouts, leading to his signing with the Baltimore Orioles.
Ruth’s career took a transformative turn when he was traded to the Boston Red Sox in 1914. Initially a pitcher, he soon gained fame as a power hitter, setting the stage for his legendary tenure with the New York Yankees. The “Sultan of Swat” went on to redefine the game, smashing records and becoming a symbol of baseball excellence.
Now, let’s explore some amazing facts that illuminate different facets of Babe Ruth’s remarkable journey—both on and off the field.
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Babe Ruth’s Career Stats
| Games | 2,503 | At Bats | 8,399 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Runs | 2,174 | Triples | 136 |
| Hits | 2,873 | Doubles | 506 |
| Home Runs | 714 | RBI | 2,214 |
| Steals | 123 | Walks | 2,062 |
| Batting Avg | .342 | OPS | 1.164 |
| On Base % | .474 | Slugging % | .690 |
1. Babe Ruth’s real name was George Herman Ruth, as was his father’s.
2. Ruth lived for a time on the site of what is now Oriole Park at Camden Yards.
3. In the early 1920s, Ruth participated in exhibition games in France, introducing the sport to a new audience and leaving a lasting impact on the country’s growing interest in baseball.
4. Ruth was still living at St. Mary’s Industrial School when he signed with the Baltimore Orioles of the International League.
5. He hit his first professional home run on March 7, 1914, in Fayetteville, N.C.
6. The Orioles sold Ruth to the Boston Red Sox on July 9, 1914, along with two other players.
7. In Ken Burns’ documentary Baseball, noted journalist and author Dan Okrent said Ruth was “the best left-handed pitcher of the 1910s.”
8. In 1916, he went 23-12 and led the American League with nine shutouts and a 1.75 ERA.
9. Ruth’s first World Series appearance came in 1915.
10. In Game 2 of the 1916 World Series, Ruth pitched a 14-inning complete game to beat the Dodgers 2-1.
11. Ruth posted a 0.87 ERA in three World Series starts.
12. Ruth’s first major league home run came against the Yankees at the Polo Grounds on May 6, 1915.
13. Ruth led the American League in home runs for the first time in 1918.
14. Ruth is the only player since the turn of the 20th century to lead his league in Triple Crown categories as both a hitter and a pitcher.
15. After retiring from baseball, Ruth aspired to manage a major league team but never received a managerial position.
16. On Jan. 3, 1920, Frazee sold Ruth to the Yankees for $100,000 and a $300,000 loan secured by a mortgage on Fenway Park.
17. Ruth hosted a radio show called “The Babe Ruth Baseball Program” in the early 1930s, providing insights into the game and featuring interviews with fellow players.
18. Ruth was one of 17 players Frazee traded or sold to the Yankees between December 1918 and July 1923.
19. In 1921, he organized and promoted a match between Georges Carpentier and Jack Dempsey, bringing attention to the boxing world and demonstrating his influence beyond the baseball diamond.
20. Ruth was one of the first five players elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1936, alongside Ty Cobb, Honus Wagner, Christy Mathewson, and Walter Johnson.
21. Babe Ruth hit 60 home runs during the 1927 season, a record that stood for 34 years.
22. He was not only a great hitter but also an accomplished pitcher, boasting a career record of 94-46 with a 2.28 ERA.
23. Ruth was a key part of the Yankees’ dominance in the 1920s, helping them win seven American League pennants and four World Series titles.
24. His iconic uniform number, 3, was the first number to be retired in Major League Baseball history.
25. Ruth’s famous “called shot” occurred during the 1932 World Series when he pointed to the outfield before hitting a home run.
26. Ruth enjoyed playing tennis and often engaged in matches.
27. Ruth’s nickname, “The Bambino,” is Italian for “baby” and was given to him early in his career.
28. Despite his legendary status, Ruth started his career as a pitcher and only later transitioned to being a full-time outfielder.
29. Ruth’s final home run, number 714, was hit on May 25, 1935, while playing for the Boston Braves.
30. Off the field, Ruth was known for his larger-than-life personality and love for entertainment and nightlife.
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